Hillbilly Jedi

Five years since their last album and eight since their debut changed country forever, the once-dynamic duo waters down their old drink recipe: 50/50 loud party rockers (sometimes with obligatory raps tacked on) vs. mushy ballads (sometimes with unison harmonies and opportunistic religion stitched in). "Heard ya missed me," they ask right off, with Bon Jovi's help. Then there's cowbellz for cowboyz; a blatant jock-rock bid ("Get Your Game On"); and eventually, a rather show-tuney closing "M-e-d-l-e-y" with ragtimey midsection. Still eccentric, maybe -- but more forced than ever about it.